Genital mycoplasmosis in rats: A model for intrauterine infection

PROBLEM: Microbial infections of the chorioamnion and amniotic fluid have d evastating effects on pregnancy outcome and neonatal morbidity and mortalit y. The mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause adverse effects are be st addressed by an animal model of the disease with a naturally-occurring p athogen. METHOD OF STUDY: Intrauterine infection in humans as well as genital mycopl asmosis in humans and rodents is reviewed. We describe a genital infection in rats, which provides a model for the role of infection in pregnancy, pre gnancy wastage, low birth weight, and fetal infection. RESULTS: Infection of Sprague-Dawley rats with Mycoplasma pulmonis either v aginally or intravenously resulted in decreased litter size, increased adve rse pregnancy outcome, and in utero transmission of the microorganism to th e fetus. CONCLUSION: Mycoplasma pulmonis is an ideal model to study maternal genital infection during pregnancy, the impact of infections on pregnancy outcome, fetal infection, and maternal-fetal immune interactions.